The Lozi Language

Mission Zambia Cultural Guidelines

Perhaps the most obvious, yet important things to realize as a team or an individual in Zambia is that you are a guest in a foreign country. You are the one who do things quite different. Some things that are thought innocent or normal at home are quite offensive in Zambia and may hinder people from hearing the message of salvation. We want to be very careful of the impression we create as representative of Christ.

An excellent rule of thumb to keep in mind is the question of trust “Is what I ‘m thinking, saying, or doing in this situation building or undermining trust?’ Use this question, along with the cultural guidelines we have developed, and you will just fine culturally.

That said, the following suggestions are offered to help you understand the people of Zambia and help you have a positive experience while on outreach.

1 Relationship is the most important thing in Zambia. Use your time to get to know the people here as much as possible. Step out of your comfort zone and try to learn some of the language and communicate. Zambians love to talk about family, the weather, soccer, current affairs and their culture. It is very difficult for North Americans to think of hanging out as ministry, but relationship evangelism is much more important than any program or work project we could do. Love the people you came to serve; don’t just focus on accomplishing a project.

2 Refrain from making too many comparisons between Zambia and home. Comparisons that make Zambia seem inferior will eventually lead to resentment. Avoid comments like, “That’s not how to do that” or These are much cheaper where we’re from” or We could this a lot faster at home.Recognise cultural difference and accept them without passing judgement.

3Be flexible concerning time, and go with the flow of the culture and the ministry you‘re involved into. Don’t count on sticking to a rigid schedule of events or starting everyday program exactly on time. Welcome Flexi! Learn to be patient.

4 Shake hands (gently) and greet everyone! In Zambia, you can offend a person by not doing a simple thing such as saying hello and shaking hands when you enter or leave a room.

5When offered something to eat, receive it and b grateful. Zambians may go a lot of trouble to buy soft drinks, or prepare an entire meal for us, and it is very offensive if we do not enjoy it. Never give food to animals, throw it way, or give it to other people. Food and drinks are how this culture bonds, and to refuse it amounts to refusing friendship-the very thing you came to build.

During outreach in the villages, only one camera per ministry team will be allowed. Its best for the photographer to be someone with a digital camera who can quickly distribute or upload the photos. The photographer must always ask a person first if it is Okay to take his/her picture.

By taking photos, you commit to send us a physical (not digital) print of every photo you take with a Zambian in it for us to give to the people you ministered to. Culturally it is improper to take someone’s photo here with giving them a copy, and this affords us a good follow-up opportunity.